Auxilary Reverse Lights
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Maple Grove USA
Auxilary Reverse Lights
Hi All,
I recently installed 55 watt driving lights as reverse lights mounted to my towing hitch. I tapped into the reverse wires on my tail lights. Unfortunately, everytime I put my truck in reverse, a fuse blows. I'm assuming the draw from the reverse lights is too much for the 10amp mini fuse. Anyone know how to make this setup work without putting the auxilary reverse lights on a separate switch? I appreciate any advice.
Thanks!
I recently installed 55 watt driving lights as reverse lights mounted to my towing hitch. I tapped into the reverse wires on my tail lights. Unfortunately, everytime I put my truck in reverse, a fuse blows. I'm assuming the draw from the reverse lights is too much for the 10amp mini fuse. Anyone know how to make this setup work without putting the auxilary reverse lights on a separate switch? I appreciate any advice.
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 355
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
A single 55W light pulls 4.58 amps from the 12V source. I'm guessing you are running 2 which will pull 9.16 amps which is probably why you are blowing the 10 amp fuse. A quick fix would be to change the 10 amp to a 12 amp (or whatever the next step is) but that could possibly overload the existing tail light wiring. Doing what esaycho said is the best way and the way I hooked my reverse lights. I left the 10 amp fuse alone and tapped into the reverse lights with a relay. I am using a 12 amp fuse on the constant 12+ wire which runs to a 3-way switch mounted in the cab. Using a 3-way switch allows me to have my auxillary reverse lights on/off/or on when in reverse only.
Last edited by bassaway; Dec 19, 2006 at 04:06 PM.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 12
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From: Maple Grove USA
Thanks all for your advice! I have a couple more questions...would you recommend running a separate 12V power source from the battery to power the lights, or tap into an open fuse in the box? I am trying to minimize running wires under my truck, but will if I have to. Also, where can I get the correct relay? I was thinking an auto parts store like Napa, or an electronics store like Radio Shack. Thanks again for all the advice!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: central TX
You should be able to get a suitable relay from an Auto parts store, look in the aux. lighting section. Should be under $5. You can get some mini fuse taps for the fuse in the box, but the covers don't always fit back on perfectly afterward. I found I was going to have to order some online. Nobody had the mini style, just the regular fuse taps. Either way, you will only need one wire running front to back. In your case I would maybe try the fuse taps, just to keep from hacking up the original wiring. Your call though. Don't just get a bigger fuse, that's the wrong way to go.
If you want o eliminate the above problems, you could just wire them up with a switch. Get a lighted one so you don't accidentally leave it on while driving down the road. Again, your call.
If you want o eliminate the above problems, you could just wire them up with a switch. Get a lighted one so you don't accidentally leave it on while driving down the road. Again, your call.
Last edited by tdister; Dec 19, 2006 at 07:08 PM.
